Daily Readings - Sun Jul 01 2018
2 Corinthians
7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Mark
21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.35While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on life, faith, and generosity. The first reading from Wisdom reminds us that God did not create death, but it entered the world through sin. This emphasizes God’s desire for immortal life, reflecting His image in us. The second reading from Corinthians highlights the importance of equality and generosity, inspired by Jesus’s sacrifice. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus’s miracles: healing a woman with faith and raising a girl from the dead, showcasing His power and compassion.
These readings connect by illustrating God’s plan for life and the role of faith and community. Wisdom sets the stage by rejecting death as part of God’s plan, while Corinthians calls us to support each other, mirroring the community’s presence in Mark. Jesus’s miracles in Mark demonstrate trust in God’s power, even in death, aligning with Wisdom’s message of immortal life and Corinthians’ call to generosity.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to trust God amidst hardships and embrace generosity. Like the woman and Jairus, our faith can lead to healing and renewal. Let us live with compassion, supporting one another, and trust in God’s plan, even when faced with death. The moral lesson is clear: faith and trust in God, coupled with generous hearts, guide us to live as He intended—embracing life and compassion.